Sightseeing Entry

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral.

Tickets can be booked online or are available to buy on the day at our Visitor Centre.

By accessing the grounds or buying a Canterbury Cathedral admission ticket, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions of Entry.

It is always free to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Sunday 11.30* - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
*Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Opening times are subject to change. Occasionally, areas of the Cathedral may be closed to visiting, due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out.

To avoid disappointment, please check opening times and upcoming closures before visiting.

Cathedral Admission Tickets

Group and school visits must be booked separately (See further below).

Concessions are available, with a valid proof of eligibility (See further below).

All sightseeing entry includes† :

Entry to the Cathedral, Precincts and gardens
Exhibitions
Mini talks
Activity trails
Visitor events

† Subject to availability

Ticket prices as of January 2025

October-March

£18.00

Perfect if you're looking for a quieter visit, but still plenty to discover.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

April-September (Excl. weekends in July & August)

£19.50

Make the most of the good weather, during our busy season.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Weekends in July & August

£21.00

Get more out of your summer visit, with special events and visitor experiences.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Book tickets now

Kids go FREE every day!

Children (aged 17 and under) go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). Children must be accompanied at all times.

Concessions

You are required to present a valid proof of eligibility on entry.

Pre-book online

Universal Credit Tickets

FREE

Free entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit

Universal Credit Ticketholders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Application Registration Card (ARC) holders

FREE

Enjoy FREE entry with a valid Application Registration Card (ARC)

Local University Students

FREE

Students studying full-time at local universities - Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts - enjoy FREE entry with their student ID.

Cathedral Passholders

FREE

Locals can enjoy unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month!

You may be eligible for a Cathedral Pass if you:

work in the old city of Canterbury
live within 4 miles of Bell Harry tower, including within The Precincts
are a member of the Cathedral Congregation
are immediate family of a Cathedral staff member
are a member of any church in the diocese (on the parish electoral roll or equivalent)

Our Cathedral Pass cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Friends Cardholders

FREE

Friends of Canterbury Cathedral enjoy free entry, as well as many other membership benefits!

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!

They are a community who work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great gen-erosity of their members, contribute financially to many vital projects.

Other membership benefits include:

Full annual programme of Friends' events• New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
Twice-yearly paper mailings
Membership badge
Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer

Find out more about the Friends

Group visits

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary. From introductory talks, to expert guided tours, we have a variety of group options available.

Find out more

School visits

Have an inspiring day-out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. Days can be planned to reflect the interests of students from primary school through to university.

Find out more

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Planning a future visit? Remember to check our opening times and upcoming closures.

EXCLUSIVE ONSITE PARTNERSHIP CLASS

RSN Day Class: Jacobean Leaf reflecting the James I Charter at Canterbury Cathedral

Friday 27 June, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio

Join Royal School of Needlework tutor, Kathryn Sanders, to embroider a beautiful Jacobean leaf motif as reflected in the original James I Charter issued in 1608.

This zesty Jacobean leaf will encourage embroiderers to perfect long & short stitch. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of silk shading, while working with a limited number of colours and chunkier Perle cotton. The stylish design is finished with touches of Satin and Stem Stitch.

The motif was designed by RSN Tutor, Kathryn Sanders and will be taught in person for the first time at this event. Some prior embroidery experience is recommended for this class and there will be plenty of opportunity during the class to ask the Tutor questions.

After the morning session, students will visit the Cathedral Archives and Library to view, under the guidance of the Cathedral Archivist, the original James I Charter. The beautiful illuminated document was issued to the city of Canterbury in 1608 by James I granting various rights and permissions. It is the property of the city but it is kept in the Archives of Canterbury Cathedral.

This exclusive project is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral's unique association with the Royal School of Needlework.

The class cost is £170 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.

RSN and The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral have a long history of collaboration. In 1935 Dr E W Tristam designed a fabulous Friends of Canterbury Cathedral banner which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. It is currently on display in a darkened area of the Crypt.

Find out more and book